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Purpose This trial was conducted to compare effects of continuing versus withholding single-pill combination tablets consisting of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) on perioperative hemodynamics and clinical outcomes. Methods Patients undergoing minor abdominal or urological surgery (n = 106) were randomly assigned to Group C, in which ARB/CCB combination tablets were continued until surgery, or Group W, in which they were withheld within 24 h of surgery. Perioperative hemodynamics and clinical outcomes were compared between the Groups. Results The incidence of hypotension during anesthesia requiring repeated treatment with vasoconstrictors was higher in Group C than Group W (p = 0.0052). Blood pressure during anesthesia was generally lower in Group C than Group W (p p = 0.0246 and p = 0.0327, respectively). The incidence of postoperative hypertension did not differ between Groups (p = 0.3793). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the preoperative day did not differ between Groups (p = 0.7045), while eGFR was slightly lower in Group C than Group W on the first and third postoperative days (p = 0.0400 and p = 0.0088, respectively), although clinically relevant acute kidney injury did not develop. Conclusions Continuing ARB/CCB combination tablets preoperatively in patients undergoing minor surgery increased the incidence of hypotension during anesthesia, increased requirements of vasoconstrictors to treat hypotension, and might deteriorate postoperative renal function, albeit slightly. These results suggest that withholding ARB/CCB tablets preoperatively is preferable to continuing them. Clinical trial registration This trial is registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) at Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (Trial ID: jRCT1031190027).

Although opioids are effective for neonatal postoperative pain management, cumulative opioid exposure may be detrimental. Pain management practices vary among providers, but practice guidelines may promote consistency and decrease opioid use.To develop a pain management guideline (PMG) for neonates undergoing minor surgical procedures with the overarching goal of reducing opioid use without compromising the pain experience. The specific aim was for neonatal intensive care unit providers to adhere to the PMG at least 50% of the time.An interdisciplinary pain and sedation work group in a large level IV neonatal intensive care unit developed an evidence-based PMG for minor surgical procedures. Nurses and providers were educated on the new guideline, and rapid cycle quality improvement methodology provided an opportunity to adjust interventions over 3 months.The PMG was used for 32 neonates following minor surgical procedures: 18 (56%) of the neonates received only acetaminophen and no opioids, 32% required 0.15 mg/kg dose equivalent of morphine or less, and only 9% required more than 0.15 mg/kg dose equivalent of morphine. Overall, opioid use decreased by 88% compared with rates before implementation of the PMG. Providers adhered to the PMG approximately 83.3% of time.A PMG is a systematic approach to direct nurses and providers to appropriately assess, prevent, and treat neonatal pain following minor surgery while alleviating opioid overuse.Future research should focus on determining and mitigating barriers to nurse/provider use of the PMG and developing and implementing a PMG for major surgical procedures.

Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized form of skin cancer surgery that has the highest cure rates for several cutaneous malignancies. Certain skin cancers can have small extensions or “roots” that may be missed if an excised tumor is serially cross-sectioned in a “bread-loaf” fashion, commonly performed on excision specimens. The method of Mohs micrographic surgery is unique in that the dermatologist (Mohs surgeon) acts as both surgeon and pathologist, from the preoperative considerations until the reconstruction. Since Dr. Mohs’s initial work in the 1930s, the practice of Mohs micrographic surgery has become increasingly widespread among the dermatologic surgery community worldwide and is considered the treatment of choice for many common and uncommon cutaneous neoplasms. Mohs micrographic surgery spares the maximal amount of normal tissue and is a safe procedure with very few complications, most of them managed by Mohs surgeons in their offices. Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for high risks basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and is commonly and increasingly used for melanoma and other rare tumors with superior cure rates. This review better familiarizes the dermatologists with the technique, explains the difference between Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision, and discusses its main indications.

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess general practice (GP) trainees’ self-perception of surgical competencies and to explore longitudinal effects of a compact intervention.DesignWe performed a mixed-methods study including a before and after comparison in the intervention group (IG), a comparison of attendees and non-attendees (control group (CG)) and a qualitative evaluation of the intervention. Competencies were self-assessed through surveys. Semi-structured interviews were performed after 9 months.SettingIn 2019, a 2-day voluntary seminar focussing on minor surgery/injuries was offered on 13 occasions by educators from KWBW Verbundweiterbildungplus (Competence Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education Baden-Württemberg).ParticipantsAll enrolled GP trainees were offered participation. GP trainees who did not attend a seminar (non-attendees) were recruited for CG after the 13th intervention.InterventionAttendees took part in an interactive, GP-oriented short course incorporating 270 min of focused minor surgery/injuries training (compact intervention) on the second day of the 2-day seminar.Results326 GP trainees (IG: n=257; CG: n=69) participated in the study. 17 attendees were interviewed. CG had more often experienced a surgical rotation (p=0.03) and reported higher interest in performing minor surgery in future practice (p=0.03). GP trainees self-rated their all-round competency in minor surgery as average (IG: 3.0±1.0, CG: 3.2±0.9, IG:CG p=0.06). After the intervention, attendees felt that surgical skills should be a core component of GP vocational training (p=0.05). After 9 months, attendees remembered a variety of content and valued the interactive, case-oriented, peer-to-peer approach in a mixed learning group. Some attendees reported they had started to overcome competency gaps in minor surgery.ConclusionsA compact intervention in minor surgery provides an ‘intense’ stimulus which could foster positive attitudes towards minor surgery and promote longitudinal personal development of related competencies in GP trainees, including those with little interest in surgery. Such measures appear crucial to support individual progress of GP trainees to provide comprehensive primary care.

Background In Japan, even if physicians have not experienced surgical training, they face many instances in which they must provide initial surgical treatment, especially during off‐hours. This study aimed to identify the frequency and fields of commonly encountered problems in a Japanese emergency department. Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify walk‐in outpatients with exogenous problems visiting during off‐hours in the Japanese educational hospital providing primary to tertiary emergency care between January 1 and December 31, 2014. Diseases were aggregated according to International Classification of Primary Care (Second Edition; ICPC‐2). Results During the study period, 33 424 patients visited and 7476 were classified into the “exogenous” group. We analyzed the data of 7421 patients after excluding 55 who were deemed undiagnosable based on reviews of the charts. The median age of patients who visited the ED during off‐hours was 29 years (range: 0‐101 years, IQR: 8‐60 years). Altogether, 226 types of problems included in ICPC‐2 were identified during the study period. The majority fields of exogenous problems were ‘skin,’ ‘Musculoskeletal,’ and ‘eye.’ The 15 problems with the highest frequencies accounted for 50.2% of the total problems. Conclusions We identified surgical problems with high treatment frequencies among patients visiting the ED during off‐hours. Providing education focusing on these frequent surgical problems can help to improve the initial treatment quality and reduce the anxiety for those doctors who provide initial surgical treatment., We identified surgical diseases with high treatment frequencies among patients during off‐hours. The findings can help to develop more effective training programs based on frequency of problem.

Introduction Turoctocog alfa pegol is a glycoPEGylated recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) with an extended half‐life developed for prophylaxis, treatment of bleeds and perioperative management in patients with haemophilia A. Aim Evaluate the efficacy and safety of turoctocog alfa pegol treatment for major and minor surgeries in the pathfinder 3 and 5 phase III trials. Methods Adults/adolescents aged ≥12 years with severe haemophilia A (FVIII 80% during major surgery (pathfinder 3). The primary end point was haemostatic efficacy during surgery; secondary end points were blood loss, haemostatic effect postsurgery, consumption, transfusions, safety and health economics. Children (0‐11 years) undergoing minor surgeries received 20‐75 IU/kg turoctocog alfa pegol at Investigator's discretion (pathfinder 5). Results pathfinder 3 included 35 patients undergoing 49 major surgeries. Haemostasis was successful in 47/49 (95.9%) surgeries; two had moderate haemostatic responses. Median (mean) blood loss during major surgery was 75 (322.6) mL. Four bleeds were reported postsurgery; three were successfully treated with turoctocog alfa pegol (one was not evaluated). On the day of surgery, overall mean (median) dose was 75.5 (74.5) IU/kg and mean (median) number of doses was 1.7 (2.0). Five procedures required 11 transfusions on the day of surgery or days 1‐6. No safety concerns or inhibitors were identified. Forty‐five minor surgeries in 23 children were performed without complications. Conclusion Turoctocog alfa pegol was effective for perioperative haemostatic management of major and minor surgeries in patients across age groups with severe haemophilia A.

PURPOSE: Reducing high-risk prescription opioid use after surgery has become a key strategy in mitigating the opioid crisis. Yet, despite their vulnerabilities, we know little about how cancer survivors use opioids for non-cancer perioperative pain compared to those with no history of cancer. The purpose was to examine the association of cancer survivorship with the likelihood of receiving perioperative opioid therapy for non-cancer minor surgery. METHODS: Using 2007–2014 SEER-Medicare data for breast, colorectal, prostate, and non-cancer populations, we conducted retrospective cohort study of opioid-naïve Medicare beneficiaries who underwent one of 6 common minor non-cancer surgeries. Modified Poisson regression estimated the relative risk of receiving a perioperative opioid prescription associated with cancer survivorship compared to no history of cancer. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weights were used to balance measurable covariates between cohorts. RESULTS: We included 1,486 opioid-naïve older adult cancer survivors and 3,682 opioid-naïve non-cancer controls. Cancer survivorship was associated with a 5% lower risk of receiving a perioperative opioid prescription (95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.00; p=0.06) compared to no history of cancer. Cancer survivorship was not associated with the extent of perioperative opioid exposure. CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors were slightly less likely to receive opioid therapy for non-cancer perioperative pain than those without a history of cancer. It is unclear if this reflects a reduced risk of opioid-related harms for cancer survivors or avoidance of appropriate perioperative pain therapy. Further examination of cancer survivors’ experiences with and attitudes about opioids may inform improvements to non-cancer pain management for cancer survivors.

Although routine coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are performed before surgery to identify the risk of perioperative bleeding, bleeding complications are rare in minor surgeries, and false-positive results are often observed. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the common causes of abnormal results of preoperative coagulation tests in previously healthy children undergoing elective minor surgery and determine the usefulness of performing these tests. Additionally, it aimed to identify the distribution of factor XII activity in children with prolonged aPTT.The medical records of 363 pediatric patients aged 0 - 18 years, who were referred to the pediatric hematology-oncology department due to abnormal preoperative coagulation tests prior to undergoing minor surgery at the Kyung Hee University Medical Center between March 2008 and October 2020, were retrospectively review-ed.The majority of patients (n = 348, 96%) had prolonged aPTT, few (n = 29, 8%) had a prolonged PT international normalized ratio, and a small number (n = 14, 4%) had both prolonged PT and aPTT. On repeating the coagulation tests, 194 children showed persistent abnormal results. Of these, 184 patients underwent mixing tests, and 176 showed correction for factor deficiency (n = 26) and lupus anticoagulant positive (n = 14). Factor deficiencies included factor XII (n = 16), possibility of von Willebrand disease (vWD; n = 4), factor XI (n = 2), factor VIII (n = 1), factors IX and XII (n = 1), factor VII (n = 1), and factor V (n = 1). The severity of factor deficiency was mild (25 - 38%). One patient with factor VII deficiency received preoperative clotting factors but had postoperative bleeding requiring clotting factor replacement. Another patient with possible vWD received fresh frozen plasma after surgery and had mild symptoms. Linear regression showed no significant correlation between factor XII activity and aPTT in patients with prolonged aPTT (R2 = 0.0002, p = 0.84) or factor XII activity according to aPTT results in those with factor XII deficiency (R2 = 0.04749, p = 0.40).These results suggest that coagulation tests may be selectively performed in previously healthy children undergoing minor surgery with positive bleeding and/or family history. The distribution of factor XII should be investigated further.

Introduction Recombinant factor IX fusion protein concentrate (rFIXFc) is increasingly used for prophylaxis in people with haemophilia B (PWHB), but experience in the perioperative setting is limited. Aims To evaluate real-world perioperative factor usage, bleeding and complications in PWHB (≥18 years) who received rFIXFc for surgical haemostasis and to describe the treatment regimens used. Methods Single centre, retrospective review of all PWHB who underwent a major or minor surgical procedure between June 2017 and July 2020 and received rFIXFc perioperatively for maintenance of surgical haemostasis. Results A total of 56 PWHB (45 male and 11 female), including people with mild (n = 32), moderate (n = 4) and severe (n = 20) haemophilia B, underwent 11 major and 131 minor procedures with rFIXFc for surgical haemostasis. Haemostasis was rated as excellent (9/11) or good (2/11) in all major procedures. Median total rFIXFc consumption for orthopaedic surgeries was 972 IU/kg (range 812-1031 IU/kg) and for other major (non-orthopaedic) surgeries was 323 IU/kg (range 167-760 IU/kg). The median number of perioperative rFIXFc infusions was 19 (range 17-26) for orthopaedic surgery and 7 (range 5-17) for other major surgeries. The number of infusions in the postoperative period was determined by procedure and patient factors. Complications included bowel ileus and wound infection. Most minor procedures were managed with single infusion of rFIXFc, with no bleeding complications in 95% of minor procedures. There were no thromboembolic events or inhibitor formation. Conclusion This unique data provides real-world evidence that rFIXFc is safe and effective in achieving haemostasis in PWHB undergoing surgery.

Background There are limited published data regarding the incidence and risk factors for infection after minor dermatologic procedures, such as skin biopsy, shave, and curettage. Prior studies of infection risk after dermatologic procedures have often not specified the method of preparation of local anesthetic. Objective To assess the incidence and risk factors for infection after minor procedures performed in a general dermatology clinic using buffered lidocaine prepared in office. Materials and methods In this retrospective case-control study, the medical record was searched for cases of infection after skin biopsies, shaves, conventional excisions, and destructions performed in a general dermatology clinic over a 4-year period. Patient and procedure characteristics were compared with uninfected controls. Results Of 9,031 procedures performed during the study period, there were 34 infections (0.4%). The odds of infection for procedures on the arm and leg were 5.29 and 9.28 times higher, respectively, than those on the head/neck. There was no significant effect of age, sex, smoking, immunosuppression, diabetes, or anticoagulation. Conclusion The incidence of infection is low after minor dermatologic procedures performed with local anesthesia using buffered lidocaine prepared in office. There is a higher risk of infection on the arm and leg compared with the head and neck.

Objetivos. Se desean conocer los cambios en el programa de cirugía menor de un centro de salud urbano tras una década desde su implantación, valorando la cobertura, las características de los pacientes y los profesionales implicados, los procedimientos realizados, la concordancia diagnóstica y la eficiencia del mismo. Material y métodos. Se diseña un estudio descriptivo transversal, mediante auditoría de historias y registros clínicos escritos entre los años 2007 y 2017. Se recoge el tipo de procedimiento realizado, la edad del paciente, el profesional que interviene, el envío de muestras a anatomía patológica, así como los diagnósticos clínicos y anatomopatológicos. Se estimará la diferencia del gasto realizado con el ocasionado en caso de derivación al hospital. Se realizará un análisis descriptivo y bivariante según el año de estudio. Resultados. Se valoran 477 actos quirúrgicos (53% en 2017), con edad media del paciente de 49,9 años (±17,9) (superior en 9 años en 2017, p, Our objective is to assess the changes occurred in the minor surgery program of an urban health centre. We designed a cross-sectional descriptive study to perform audits of patients history and clinical records of 2007 and 2017.477 surgical acts were evaluated. Patient mean age is 49,9 years. Percentage of resident doctors and participating nurses is double on 2017, although the main actor is the general practitioner. The right consignment of tissue samples to pathological anatomy is improved in a 16% with a high diagnostic concordance (kappa 0,703). Skin excisions and infiltrations are increased, cryosurgery is decreased. Costs are estimated to be 320% lower to hospital ones. The results of minor surgery carried out in primary-care are comparable to hospitals; however, costs are lower in primary setting. The diversity of interventions and health staff involved, makes necessary a greater incorporation of staff and training hours.

Trial design: In this blinded randomized study we analyzed patient reported outcome of three different treatments after nail surgery. We compared daily footbath with either alkaline or acidic soap or just a simple bandage of gauze dressing. Method: After partial nail ablation surgery, patients were randomized into three postoperative treatment modalities. Outcome in terms of reduction in pain, improvement of function, reduction of signs of infection and postoperative soothing effect were reported after one and two weeks. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze possible statistical differences between the groups. Results: 97 patients, 57% women, mean age 31 years, were included. Men reported significantly less pain and better function than women. Despite a registered lower growth of invasive pathogenic microbes following the use of acidic soaps, this did not lead to less infections than in the groups using either alkaline soap baths or bandaging. On the contrary, patients keeping the bandage on had significantly lower signs of infection after one week. Two patients using soap baths had growth of MRSA. Two weeks postoperatively, all three treatment alternatives had similar patient reported outcome in all parameters, and nobody needed antibiotics. Conclusions: This prospective randomized study was unable to prove that footbath with either acidic or alkaline soap should be preferred to just leave the postoperative bandage on for a week after partial nail ablation. We recommend that postoperative advice should be given on an individual basis, especially since our study did not involve patients with high risk of infections. KEYWORDS: bandage; infection; ingrown toenail; pain; postoperative treatment; soapbath publishedVersion

Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses can affect a woman's day-to-day functioning and be challenging to manage. Many Bartholin duct cysts that are not infected remain asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without intervention. However, an infected Bartholin duct cyst or glandular abscess should be drained when larger than 2 cm because such cysts or abscesses do not tend to resolve spontaneously and can recur. Management options fall under 3 broad categories: expectant, medical, or surgical. With special training, midwives and women's health nurse practitioners can manage many women who present with Bartholin duct cysts or gland abscesses. Rarely, a woman with a severe or recurrent infection will need referral to a surgeon. Knowing which management option to choose may be challenging at first; this article is aimed at providing evidence-based knowledge about Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses for clinicians so that they can make the diagnosis and management plan with confidence. A clinical case is used to illustrate the identification, diagnosis, and management of Bartholin duct cysts and gland abscesses. The range of interventions, from expectant management with comfort measures to surgical intervention, is be explored to assist the clinician in choosing the correct management approach.

OBJECTIVES Minor pediatric surgeries performed in the minor procedure room (MPR) may be more time efficient and less costly compared to those performed in the operating room (OR). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. METHODS This was a retrospective study on cost and efficiency differences of bilateral myringotomy with tube insertions performed in the MPR versus the OR. Charts were reviewed from June 2015 to May 2017. Cost data was based on supply cost and case costing of medical personnel including nurses, aides, and anesthesia assistants. RESULTS Two hundred eighteen patients were included in the study. The median age was 2.7 years (range: 0.8-16.7), and there were no differences in gender between locations. One hundred twenty-three patients had surgery in the MPR (56.4%), and 95 had surgery in the OR (43.6%). The median length of time in the procedure room was 11 minutes shorter for patients who underwent surgery in the MPR (12.0 minutes, range: 3.0-33.0) compared to patients in the OR (23.0 minutes, range: 11.0-52.0; P

Objectives: To explore the knowledge, practice, barriers and reported self-confidence of family medicine (FM) residents in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in performing minor surgical procedures (MSP). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing questionnaires to 267 family medicine residents in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between May and July 2016. The questionnaire includes 7 categories with 71 questions about: knowledge, interest, experience and confidence in performing different MSPs, prior training in MSPs, perceived barriers to performing MSPs and ways to improve basic surgical skills. Results: The response rate was 71.9%. Residents had a mean knowledge score of 15.75% and a mean interest score of 10.4 out of 12. Out of 23 MSPs surveyed, residents had performed a mean average of 9.18. The mean of residents’ confidence scores was 26.6 out of 63. The most common barrier to performing MSPs was a lack of training (n=115; 59.9%), while the least common barrier was a lack of interest (n=113; 58.9%). Participants consider intensive education to be the the most effective way to improve their performance, while increasing the duration of some rotations found to be the least effective way for improvement. Conclusion: A majority of FM residents were interested in MSP, but had low perceived knowledge, low reported confidence and infrequent practice. Family medicine programs should provide continuous standardized training by a qualified and interested trainer within the FM setting.

The purpose of the study was to conduct validity and reliability testing of the Turkish version of the Parent Self-Efficacy Scale for Child Autonomy toward Minor Surgery (PSESCAMS).The research is a methodological study.Data were collected using an Introductory Form and the PSESCAMS. Factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and item-total score analysis were used for the data analysis.The scale consisted of 18 items and four subscales. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall scale was 0.95, and the Cronbach's alpha values for the subscales were 0.64-0.92. The total factor loading wasgt; 0.45 for both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. GFI, AGFI, and CFI weregt; 0.90, RMSEA was 0.06.PSESCAMS was found to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish culture.

Introduction: Minor oral surgical procedures are practiced in dental teaching. Interns are required to be competent, well-prepared and acknowledge its basics before their practice. Lack of training and knowledge could lead to serious consequences during clinical practice. Aim: To assess the knowledge and confidence level between male and female dental interns in private and governmental Riyadh dental schools in performing simple dento-alveolar procedures. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January 2020 among dental interns from all Riyadh dental schools. A cross-sectional survey containing 23 items was used. The first part included the informed consent and demographic data (item 1-3). The second part consisted of 10 case scenarios to assess the knowledge level (item 4-13), and the third part was developed to self-rate their confidence level (item 14-23). Around 300 participants belonging to five Riyadh dental schools comprised the study population. All interns were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 16.16. Groups were compared using Pearson chi-square and unpaired sample t-test. The p-value of

Key message Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathic disorder, leading to typical symptoms of numbness, tingling and pain in the hand. Surgical treatment with release of the transverse ligament of the wrist is an established treatment. In Norway, a geographic variation in the provision of surgery has been observed. We conducted a health technology assessment of surgical treatment compared to non-surgical treatments with splinting, combinations of non-surgical treatments, local corticosteroid injection and physical therapy (including manual therapy). For evaluation of efficacy and safety, we included 10 randomized controlled trials. We found that: • Surgery may slightly improve symptoms and hand function compared to splinting and combinations of non-surgical treatment in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (low-certainty evidence). • The efficacy of surgery compared to corticosteroid injection and surgery compared to manual therapy is uncertain due to very low-certainty evidence. • No trials reported outcomes separately for subpopulations with mild, moderate or severe carpal tunnel syndrome. • Overall, few adverse events were reported after the surgical and non-surgical treatments. • Surgery in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome is the most costly treatment alternative at about Norwegian kroner (NOK) 11,200. Non-surgical treatment alternatives with splinting and local corticosteroid injection cost around NOK 3,100. Potential cost savings depend on the reduction of surgical procedures per health region. We estimated the potential cost savings at the national level to be between NOK 14.5 and 27.5 million over five years.

Introducció: Les infermeres i infermers sovint es troben davant de situacions on es presenten ferides agudes i que requereixen una reparació mitjançant tècniques de sutura. Tot i que majoritàriament són els metges els que duen a terme aquestes tècniques, hi ha situacions on les infermeres i infermers podrien executar aquesta tasca per alleugerir la possible saturació que es pot donar en un servei. En l’actualitat existeixen cursos de formació en tècniques de sutura destinats principalment a graduats d’infermeria. Tot i això, s’ha detectat la manca de formació en aquest àmbit i la voluntat per part d’algunes infermeres i infermers i dels estudiants del Grau d’Infermeria per augmentar els coneixements teòric-pràctics. Objectiu: Dissenyar un programa de formació en tècniques bàsiques de sutura destinat als estudiants d’últim curs del Grau d’Infermeria i del doble Grau d’Infermeria i Fisioteràpia de la Universitat de Lleida. Metodologia: Mitjançant la recerca de la literatura científica es dissenya un curs basat en el Model Transteòric del canvi de Prochaska i DiClemente, que planteja una sèrie de fases per arribar al canvi. El curs es bassa en sessions teòric-pràctiques d’una durada de 25 hores equivalent a 1 crèdit ECTS de matèria transversal repartides en 4 sessions presencials i treball autònom. Per avaluar l’eficàcia del programa s’utilitza un qüestionari ad hoc pre i post intervenció, així com l’avaluació de les habilitats tècniques rebudes durant les sessions. Conclusions: A partir de la implementació del programa s’espera que els participants adquireixin els coneixements necessaris per la valoració i maneig de les ferides agudes, així com les habilitats pràctiques per realitzar tècniques bàsiques de sutura. Introduction: Nurses are often faced with situations where acute wounds occur and require repair using suture techniques. Although it is mostly doctors who perform these techniques, there are situations where nurses could perform this task to alleviate the possible saturation that may occur in a service.There are currently training courses in suturing techniques aimed primarily at nursing graduates. However, there has been a lack of training in this area and the willingness of some nurses and students of the Degree in Nursing to increase theoretical and practical knowledge. Objective: To design a training program in basic suture techniques for final year students of the Degree in Nursing and the double Degree in Nursing and Physiotherapy at the University of Lleida. Methodology: Through the research of the scientific literature a course is designed based on the Transthoracic Model of the change of Prochaska and DiClemente, that raises a series of phases to arrive at the change. The course is based on theoretical-practical sessions lasting 25 hours, equivalent to 1 ETCS credit in cross-curricular subjects, divided into 4 face-to-face sessions and independent work. An ad hoc pre- and post-intervention questionnaire is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, as well as the evaluation of the technical skills received during the sessions. Conclusions: Through the implementation of the program, participants are expected to acquire the necessary knowledge for the assessment and management of acute wounds, as well as practical skills to perform basic suture techniques.

Background Intervertebral disc changes are a multi-factorial problem whose main clinical feature is pain. Studies show that when clinical treatments fail, the proposed surgical treatments frequently present unsatisfactory results. Traditional lumbar arthrodesis causes important clinical and functional changes that can result in complications and jeopardize the patients' quality of life. Objectives This study aims to investigate the clinical and functional results of minimally invasive spine surgery in patients with a clinical diagnosis of low-back or sciatic pain and segmental instability, finally correlating these results with the patients' return to work. Methods Patients signed an informed consent form and were clinical and radiographically re-evaluated by independent professionals in the pre- and postoperative periods. Evaluation methods used the Oswestry disability index, as well as visual analog scale and Medical Outcomes Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. We also retrieved epidemiological data, information on work resumption, and bone consolidation evaluations from the medical records. Results We evaluated 19 patients who had been operated on 33 levels; visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index scores were initially reduced from 10% to 2% and from 64% to 28%, respectively. SF-36 scores were significantly higher in 5 of the 7 questionnaire scales at the end of the follow-up period. Most patients (68.4%) did not return to work after surgery; the others returned 2 to 67 months after the procedure. All patients received social security benefits after the surgery. Conclusion Although the procedure presented positive results, it did not result in a satisfactory return-to-work rate. Our results should be analyzed in view of the low educational level and income of the patients, the manual nature of their labor, and the validity of social security benefits.

Objective A resident-run minor surgery clinic was developed to increase resident procedural autonomy. We evaluated whether 1) there was a significant difference between complications and patient satisfaction when procedures were independently performed by surgical residents vs. a surgical attending and 2) if participation was associated with an increase in resident procedural confidence. Design Third year general surgery residents participated in a weekly procedure clinic from 2014-2018. Post-procedure complications and patient satisfaction were compared between patients operated on by residents vs. the staff surgeon. Residents were surveyed regarding their confidence in independently performing a variety of clinic-based patient care tasks. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital General in Boston, MA; an academic tertiary care general surgery residency program. Participants Post-graduate year three general surgery residents that ran the clinic as part of a general surgery rotation. Results 1230 patients underwent 1592 procedures (612 in resident clinic, 980 in attending clinic). There was no significant difference in the 30-day complication rate between patients operated on by the resident vs. attending (2.5% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.49). 459 patient satisfaction surveys were administered with a 79.1% response rate. There was no significant difference in the overall quality of care rating between residents and the attending surgeon (87.5% top-box rating vs. 93.1%, p = 0.15). Twenty-one residents completed both a pre- and post-rotation survey (77.8% response rate). The proportion of residents indicating that they could independently perform a variety of patient care tasks significantly increased across the rotation (all p Conclusion Mid-level general surgery residents can independently perform office-based procedures without detriment to safety or patient satisfaction. The resident-run procedure clinic serves as an environment for residents to grow in confidence in both technical and non-technical skills. Given the high rate at which patients provide resident feedback, future work may investigate how to best incorporate patient derived evaluations into resident assessment.

This study evaluates the risk of preoperative opioid exposure on all-cause mortality after outpatient surgery.

Little is known regarding the factors associated with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) compliance in elective minor surgery. The purposes of this cross-sectional study were to identify the frequency of inappropriate SAP administration and to understand the characteristics associated with such inappropriateness in a sample of elective minor surgical procedures. The study was performed between May and July 2019 among a random sample of patients aged 18&thinsp, years and older in seven public hospitals randomly selected in the Campania and Calabria Regions of Italy. Globally, only 45% of SAP approaches were deemed completely in accordance with the evidence-based guidelines. Patients with an ordinary admission, those who underwent local anesthesia, those receiving plastic and reconstructive and ophthalmology surgery, and those who had not received a prosthetic implant were more likely to receive an appropriate SAP approach, those receiving obstetrics, gynecological, and urological surgical procedures were less likely than those who underwent abdominal, vascular, and breast surgery. The course of antibiotic prophylaxis was not consistent with the guidelines in 48.5% procedures with one or more reasons for inappropriateness. Appropriate time of the SAP administration was more frequently observed in patients who were older, those with a Charlson comorbidity index of 0, those who did not receive a prosthetic implant, and those receiving plastic and reconstructive surgery, it was less likely in patients receiving obstetrics, gynecological, and urological surgeries compared with those who underwent abdominal, vascular, and breast surgery. Aspects of SAP that need to be improved are molecule choice, time of administration, and specific surgical procedures. Hospital managers should involve surgeons and anesthesiologists in initiatives tailored to optimize SAP prescribing.

Background and objectives: The laryngeal mask is the method of choice for airway management in children during minor surgical procedures. There is a paucity of data regarding optimal management of mechanical ventilation in these patients. The SupremeTM airway laryngeal mask offers the option to insert a gastric tube to empty the stomach contents of air and/or gastric juice. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of positive end-expiratory positive pressure (PEEP) levels on ventilation parameters and gastric air insufflation during general anesthesia in children using pressure-controlled ventilation with laryngeal mask. Materials and Methods: An observational trial was carried out in 67 children aged between 1 and 11 years. PEEP levels of 0, 3 and 5 mbar were tested for 5 min in each patient during surgery and compared with ventilation parameters (dynamic compliance (ml/cmH2O), etCO2 (mmHg), peak pressure (mbar), tidal volume (ml), respiratory rate (per minute), FiO2 and gastric air (ml)) were measured at each PEEP. Air was aspirated from the stomach at the start of the sequence of measurements and at the end. Results: Significant differences were observed for the ventilation parameters: dynamic compliance (PEEP 5 vs PEEP 3: p &lt, 0.0001, PEEP 5 vs PEEP 0: p &lt, 0.0001, PEEP 3 vs PEEP 0: p &lt, 0.0001), peak pressure (PEEP 5 vs PEEP 3: p &lt, 0.0001) and tidal volume (PEEP 5 vs PEEP 3: p = 0.0048, PEEP 5 vs PEEP 0: p &lt, 0.0001). All parameters increased significantly with higher PEEP, with the exception of etCO2 (significant decrease) and respiratory rate (no significant difference). We also showed different values for air quantity in the comparisons between the different PEEP levels (PEEP 5: 2.8 &plusmn, 3.9 mL, PEEP 3: 1.8 &plusmn, 3.0 mL, PEEP 0: 1.6 &plusmn, 2.3 mL) with significant differences between PEEP 5 and PEEP 3 (p = 0.0269) and PEEP 5 and PEEP 0 (p =0.0209). Conclusions: Our data suggest that ventilation with a PEEP of 5 mbar might be more lung protective in children using the Supreme&trade, airway laryngeal mask, although gastric air insufflation increased with higher PEEP. We recommend the use of a laryngeal mask with the option of inserting a gastric tube to evacuate potential gastric air.

Mucocele is a benign lesion, originating from disorders of minor salivary glands containing mucus. These lesions are found in children and young adults and usually occur due to local trauma. Clinically, it presents as a circumscribed, asymptomatic, soft and bluish or normocromic blister. The treatment of choice is surgical removal, when the lesion does not rupture naturally. This study aims to report a clinical case of mucocele in a pediatric patient removed through total surgical excision. A 7-year-old patient accompanied by mother sought care at the Dentistry Clinic of the “Tiradentes” University Center (UNIT / AL), with a main complaint of asymptomatic blister in the lower lip for about 15 days. In the anamnesis, the habit of biting in the region was reported. At clinical examination, a blister with clear limits of approximately 10 mm in diameter was observed in the lower lip mucosa, with slightly firm/fibrous consistency, which gave rise to doubts about the possible diagnosis, since it presented characteristics similar to that of a mucocele, although consistency at palpation indicates possible fibroma. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed; the material collected was fixed in 10% formalin and sent to histopathological examination that confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. The patient was kept on follow-up, and there was no recurrence of the lesion. Surgical excision demonstrated an effective and prognostic therapeutic course, allowing accurate diagnosis through the histopathological evaluation of the lesion. RESUMO Mucocele é uma lesão benigna, proveniente de desordens de glândulas salivares menores, que contém muco em seu interior. Essas lesões são encontradas em crianças e adultos jovens e ocorrem, geralmente, devido a um traumatismo local. Clinicamente apresenta-se como uma bolha circunscrita, assintomática, de consistência mole e cor azulada ou normocrômica. O tratamento de escolha é a remoção cirúrgica, quando a lesão não rompe naturalmente. Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso clínico de mucocele em paciente pediátrico removido por meio de excisão cirúrgica total. Relato de caso: Paciente acompanhado da mãe, 7 anos, procurou atendimento na Clínica de Odontologia do Centro Universitário Tiradentes (UNIT/AL), com queixa principal de aparecimento de bolha no lábio inferior, assintomática, cerca de 15 dias, na anamnese foi relatado o hábito de mordedura na região. Ao exame clínico foi observada uma bolha, com limites nítidos, de aproximadamente 10 mm de diâmetro, na mucosa do lábio inferior, de consistência levemente firme/fibrosa o que gerou dúvidas sobre o possível diagnóstico, pois apresentava características semelhantes à de uma mucocele apesar da consistência a palpação indicar um possível fibroma. Foi realizado a excisão cirúrgica da lesão, o material colhido foi fixado em formol a 10% e encaminhado para exame histopatológico que confirmou o diagnóstico de mucocele. O paciente foi mantido em acompanhamento, não havendo recorrência da lesão. Conclusão: A excisão cirúrgica demonstrou-se uma conduta terapêutica eficaz e com bom prognóstico, possibilitando um diagnóstico preciso através da avaliação histopatológica da lesão.

Background and objectives In this retrospective report the aim was to present the experience about bleeding characteristics and management of minor surgeries in rare bleeding disorders (RBDs). Methods Twenty-six patients were included; with Factor (F) V, FV+VIII, VII, FXI deficiency and afibrinogenemia. Six of the patients were asymptomatic. Results Fifty-three percent of the patients suffered from mucosal bleeding. Life-threatening bleedings were observed only in the patients with afibrinogenemia and good hemostatic control could only be provided with plasma-derived (pd)-fibrinogen concentrate. Twelve of the patients had undergone 17 minor surgeries. In the patients with FVII and FXI deficiencies with plasma F:C activity between 20-47%, there was a history of uneventful tooth extractions, circumcisions and a pilonidal sinus operation performed without any replacement treatment, whereas one patient with plasma F:C activity of FVII 47% had a history of poor hemostatic control during an adeno-tonsillectomy operation. Although some of these patients were asymptomatic to be on the safe side, minor operations were performed with preoperative administration of one dose of (pd)-fibrinogen concentrate to one afibrinogenemia patient, recombinant active FVII (rFVIIa) to 2 FVII deficient patients and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to 3 FXI deficient and 1 FVII deficient patients plus postoperatively tranexamic acid (TXA) for 5-7 days. Only with one dose of the replacement therapy just before surgeries good hemostatic control was achieved and none of them had bleeding neither during nor after the surgeries. Conclusion We suggest that minor operations must be performed with preoperative replacement therapies plus 5-7 days of antifibrinolytics under close observation of the hematologist and the surgeon.

Background The provision of minor surgical services is an established part of the task profile of general practitioners (GPs) in many countries in Europe and elsewhere. This study aimed to collect data on the clinical process and outcomes for specified minor surgical procedures undertaken in Irish general practice by GPs experienced in minor surgery in order to document the scope and safety of minor surgery being undertaken. Methods Over a six-month period, 24 GPs in 20 practices recorded data on a pre-determined list of procedures undertaken in adults (aged 18 and older); procedures for ingrown toenails were also recorded for those aged 12–18 years. Clinical data were rendered fully anonymous by the participating GPs, entered onto the Excel database template and returned to the project team monthly. Results On average, each practice undertook 212 procedures in a six-month period. The four most frequent procedures include two relatively non-invasive procedures (cryosurgical ablation of skin lesions and aspiration and/or injection of joints) and two more invasive procedures (full thickness excision of skin lesion and shave, punch or incisional biopsy). Overall, 83.8% of relevant specimens were submitted for histology. Combining benign and malignant cases, there was an overall 87% clinical and histological concordance; 85% of malignancies were suspected clinically. A complication was recorded in 0.9% after 1 month. Conclusions Irish GPs with experience in minor surgery can provide a range of surgical services in the community safely.

Background: It is reported that medical students do not receive adequate opportunities to learn surgical skill and are at risk of being unable to perform simple surgical procedures safely. The usefulness of peer-assisted learning (PAL) as a tool to assist in delivering surgical skills training is worth exploring. Methods: This is a randomised single blinded controlled trial. Fourth-year students from the university’s Surgical Society were asked to volunteer as peer tutors and those in 3rd-year were asked to undertake surgical skills training. A cohort of 35 students were selected and randomised to receive basic surgical skills training conducted either by faculty members or peers. The students’ performance of basic suturing skills was assessed using a checklist, through directly observed procedural skills (DOPS) technique. The assessment was conducted by faculty blinded to the training. Students’ perception to surgical skills training was assessed using a questionnaire survey. Results: The suturing and knotting skills of students learned from their peers was comparable to that acquired from faculty. The students’ perceived that their peers could conduct surgical skills training similar to their faculty. Conclusion: PAL approach for basic surgical skills training is as effective as faculty-led training. PAL has the potential to optimise the delivery of surgical skills training in undergraduate medical education.

Preoperative anxiety has been studied in different medical disciplines, but it is unknown in minor surgical procedures such as foot nail surgery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in foot nail surgery. The validated Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) was used to evaluate preoperative anxiety and the need for information in 155 patients undergoing foot nail surgery. In addition, a questionnaire was used to collect other variables such as age, sex and educational level. The verbal numeric scale was employed to value the postoperative pain after 24 h. Age and sex influenced (p &lt, 0.05) preoperative anxiety, which had a prevalence of 22.6%. More than 43% of patients needed more information and this was correlated with anxiety (r = 0.629, p &lt, 0.001). There was a significant difference when comparing the total anxiety between the group of participants who had more pain and that who had less pain (p &lt, 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety was high in the participants of this study, being greater in young patients and in women. There was a deficit of information, increasing the level of preoperative anxiety, which in turn was related with greater postoperative pain.

Minor Surgery (MS) is an ever-increasing programmed activity in Primary Health Care Centres (PHC). The aim of this study is to establish the clinical and histopathology diagnostic agreement between PHC and MS and evaluating the efficacy of this activity.A retrospective, observational, and reliability study was performed. A total of 234 patient specimens were sent to Histopathology between January 2014 and December 2018 in basic health area of San Benito-La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Of these, 203 specimens met criteria, with 31 being excluded due to death or absence of diagnosis. Sociodemographic and diagnostic variables were analysed, and 10 possible diagnoses were grouped into 3 categories according to their nature. Cohen kappa coefficient was used as the main evaluation measure.The majority of specimens were obtained from women (51.2%), and the mean age was 52.82±17.82 years. The most frequently referred lesion was the epidermoid cyst (20.2-21.67%). A clinical-pathological agreement of 60% was obtained in Minor Surgery, with a specificity of 98.3% and a sensitivity of 61.9%. In Primary Care agreement was 36.1%, with a specificity of 98.4% and a sensitivity of 42.8%. Infectious lesions represented the largest concordance difference obtained, with 27% less in Primary Care compared to Minor Surgery.Minor Surgery is an effective support in the initial diagnosis of lesions referred for evaluation at Primary Care. However, it is necessary to implement improvements in diagnostic efficacy of Primary Care.

Before surgery, people can become concerned about risks that may arise, experiencing fear and stress. It is possible to implement nonpharmacological interventions to reduce fear and preoperative stress using expressive arts, including music therapy.The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of live harp music and compare it with that of recorded harp music in reducing preoperative stress and fear and changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR).The study was a pilot study, with a quasi-experimental design.The study took place in a surgery unit's clinic, held weekly, in a teaching hospital in Milan, Italy.Participants were 46 people undergoing day surgery, divided into 2 groups: 24 in the intervention group and 22 in the control group. No one dropped out of the study.The intervention group listened to live harp music and the control group listened to recorded harp music, immediately before a surgical intervention. The research team had defined a musical protocol based on the theoretical principles of harp therapy.Before and after the musical intervention, the research team investigated each patient's level of fear and stress, using the same self-evaluation questionnaire (HR) and blood pressure (BP).Of the 46 participants, 46% were male, and 54% were female. Fear values were reduced significantly and in equal measure in the intervention (P = .001) and control (P = .0001) groups. The live harp music was more effective in reducing HR (P = .001) and diastolic BP (P = .007), than was recorded harp music, with P = .151 and P = .164, respectively. Based on the results, the research team determined that a randomized controlled trial (RCT) would require 90 patients for both the intervention and control groups.Harp therapy brought benefits by significantly reducing fear and stress and HR and BP. It would be useful to perform a multicenter RCT to confirm these results.

Preoperative anxiety has been studied in different medical disciplines, but it is unknown in minor surgical procedures such as foot nail surgery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in foot nail surgery. The validated Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS) was used to evaluate preoperative anxiety and the need for information in 155 patients undergoing foot nail surgery. In addition, a questionnaire was used to collect other variables such as age, sex and educational level. The verbal numeric scale was employed to value the postoperative pain after 24 h. Age and sex influenced (p < 0.05) preoperative anxiety, which had a prevalence of 22.6%. More than 43% of patients needed more information and this was correlated with anxiety (r = 0.629; p < 0.001). There was a significant difference when comparing the total anxiety between the group of participants who had more pain and that who had less pain (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anxiety was high in the participants of this study, being greater in young patients and in women. There was a deficit of information, increasing the level of preoperative anxiety, which in turn was related with greater postoperative pain.

Background/Purpose Sodium bicarbonate is added to lidocaine to reduce injection pain. In Canada, it is available in vials exceeding the injection volume 100-fold. These are single-use vials that should be disposed of after one access. Some surgeons re-use vials to reduce waste, potentially causing contamination. This study aims to review the safety of sodium bicarbonate and assess alternatives to current practice. Methods Strains of Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Burkholderia cepacia were used to assess bacterial growth in vials of sodium bicarbonate. Each pathogen was inoculated into a vial for 14 days at room temperature. At several time points, 1 mL of solution was removed and diluted. One hundred microliters were transferred to blood agar plates and incubated at 35 °C. Colony counts were calculated, averaged and plotted onto a logarithmic graph. Results Colony counts of all strains fell below observational threshold after 7 days in sodium bicarbonate. Conclusions Although all strains were reduced, bacteria can survive in sodium bicarbonate for several days, during which transmission may occur. Sodium bicarbonate vials should be treated as single-dose, as indicated by the manufacturers. To reduce waste, hospital pharmacies can repackage sodium bicarbonate into smaller vials or pre-alkalize lidocaine with sodium bicarbonate.

Background Haemodynamic instability during the induction of anaesthesia and surgery is common and may be related to hypovolaemia caused by pre-operative fasting or chronic diuretic therapy. The aim of our prospective, controlled, randomized study was to test the hypothesis that a predefined fluid bolus given prior to general anaesthesia for minor surgery would increase haemodynamic stability during anaesthetic induction. Methods Two hundred and nineteen fairly healthy adult patients requiring minor surgery were enrolled. All received standard treatment, including a pulse contour analysing device for non-invasive measurement of cardiac index. Infusion therapy was started in all patients at induction. The intervention group (106 patients) was randomized to receive an additional fluid bolus of 8 mL/kg Ringer's acetate solution before the induction of anaesthesia. The primary endpoint was the incidence of haemodynamic instability, defined as a significant reduction of blood pressure or cardiac index during induction of anaesthesia. Results The interventional group had a lesser incidence of haemodynamic instability during induction (41.5% vs 56.6%, P = .025). This group also had higher cardiac index, stroke volume index, systolic and mean blood pressure and a greater left ventricular end-diastolic area. Conclusions A fluid bolus prior to anaesthesia reduced the incidence of haemodynamic instability during induction of general anaesthesia. The total fluid volume was slightly greater in the intervention group compared to the control group (1370 ± 439 mL vs 1219 ± 483 mL, P = .007). We conclude that a defined fluid bolus can help stabilizing haemodynamics in patients undergoing general anaesthesia.

Introduction To work in the National Health Service (NHS) as a dentist, the practitioner needs to be on the UK dental "performer's list". To apply for access to this list and work as a General Dental Practitioner (GDP), dentists must be qualified from the European Economic Area (EEA) or, those trained in the UK, must undertake Dental Foundation Training (DFT). Dentists interested in further taught learning or pursuing specialist training must continue working as "Dental Core Trainees" (DCTs). Most of these jobs are available in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Units and require dentists to undertake unsupervised surgical procedures. It is currently estimated that over 400 "junior dentists" undertake DCT a year. It is the aim of this study to ascertain whether confidence in simple surgical procedures improves when compared to GDPs of similar experience. Methods One hundred and two junior dentists, 34 DFTs, 20 DCT1s, 21 DCT2s and 27 second and third year post-DFT GDPs all working across the Midlands, UK, had Likert scale responses about confidence in 14 minor surgical skills assessed. Results were analysed to ascertain whether gender, year group and number of extractions had any effect on confidence. Conclusions We conclude that confidence in minor surgical procedures improves significantly when undertaking DCT OMFS posts, with the most significant improvement in confidence occurring within the first 6 months. Dental Core Trainees become significantly more confident in their surgical ability within the first 6 months when compared to GDPs with longer postgraduate experience.

Purpose Carrying out minor surgery procedures in the primary care setting is popular with patients, cost effective and delivers at least as good outcomes as those performed in the hospital setting. This paper aims to describe the central role of clinical leadership in developing an accreditation system for general practitioners (GPs) undertaking community-based surgery in the Irish national setting where no mandatory accreditation process currently exists. Design/methodology/approach In all, 24 GPs were recruited to the GP network. Ten pilot standards were developed addressing GPs’ experience and training, clinical activity and practice supporting infrastructure and tested, using information and document review, prospective collection of clinical data and a practice inspection visit. Two additional components were incorporated into the project (patient satisfaction survey and self-audit). A multi-modal evaluation was undertaken. A majority of GPs was included at all stages of the project, in line with the principles of action learning. The steering group had a majority of GPs with relevant expertise and representation of all other actors in the minor surgery arena. The GP research network contributed to each stage of the project. The project lead was a GP with minor surgery experience. Quantitative data collected were analysed using Predictive Analytic SoftWare. Krueger’s framework analysis approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings A total of 9 GPs achieved all standards at initial review, 14 successfully completed corrective actions and 1 GP did not achieve the required standard. Standards were then amended to reflect findings and a supporting framework was developed. Originality/value The flexibility of the action-learning approach and the clinical leadership design allowed for the development of robust quality standards in a short timeframe.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe medical services provided by Nordic general practitioners (GPs), and to explore possible differences between the countries.DESIGN AND SETTING: We did a comparative analysis of selected data from the Nordic part of the study Quality and Costs of Primary Care in Europe (QUALICOPC).SUBJECTS: A total of 875 Nordic GPs (198 Norwegian, 80 Icelandic, 97 Swedish, 212 Danish and 288 Finnish) answered identical questionnaires regarding their practices.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The GPs indicated which equipment they used in practice, which procedures that were carried out, and to what extent they were involved in treatment/follow-up of a selection of diagnoses.RESULTS: The Danish GPs performed minor surgical procedures significantly less frequent than GPs in all other countries, although they inserted IUDs significantly more often than GPs in Iceland, Sweden and Finland. Finnish GPs performed a majority of the medical procedures more frequently than GPs in the other countries. The GPs in Iceland reported involvement in a more narrow selection of conditions than the GPs in the other countries. The Finnish GPs had more advanced technical equipment than GPs in all other Nordic countries.CONCLUSIONS: GPs in all Nordic countries are well equipped and offer a wide range of medical services, yet with a substantial variation between countries. There was no clear pattern of GPs in one country doing consistently more procedures, having consistently more equipment and treating a larger diversity of medical conditions than GPs in the other countries. However, structural factors seemed to affect the services offered.

Most patients undergoing plastic and cosmetic surgery are prescribed an opioid for postoperative pain control. With the advent of the opioid epidemic in our country, screening for opioid risk has become a topic of many health care discussions. However, there has been little mention of using an opioid risk questionnaire specific to the outpatient plastic surgery setting. This project consisted of distribution of an opioid risk questionnaire to adult patients undergoing outpatient plastic surgery. Data were collected at preoperative appointments from participating patients (n = 27). Although the sample size was small, two patients (7%) were identified as having a history of substance abuse, and both of those patients reported they had also received treatment for their substance abuse. In addition, six patients (22%) reported having a family history of substance abuse. Such findings suggest that clinicians working in outpatient plastic surgery should screen their patients for substance abuse and misuse.

Objectives To assess the appropriateness of oral surgery referrals, after triage, to intermediate minor oral surgery (IMOS) practices in East Kent and whether or not referrals vary according to the referring general dental practitioner's (GDP's) place of qualification and experience. Design A retrospective study of the records of 441 triaged referrals sent to three IMOS practices in East Kent, over a ten-week period. An assessment tool was developed in line with local and national referral guidelines. Information on all referrals was obtained from the IMOS provider and referral records. Descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results The most common reason for referral was for extraction of teeth requiring bone removal (n = 155; 35%). However, the majority of teeth removed were recorded as a non-surgical extraction (n = 363; 82%). Medical histories were included appropriately in the referral communications, with only 0.2% of all referrals being inappropriate. The proportion of appropriate and inappropriate referrals was very similar and it was found that referral rate was lower from dentists who had been qualified for more than ten years. GDPs working in the same location as the IMOS provider made a greater total number of referrals as well as more inappropriate referrals. Conclusions In the group of GDPs and IMOS providers studied, a wide variation was observed between the GDP's reason for referral and the treatment provided. It may be concluded that the vast majority of extractions were safely completed in an IMOS dental practice in a primary care setting.

Background : The opioid abuse epidemic has highlighted the risks associated with these medications. Objective : To determine whether filling a postoperative opioid prescription after low acuity urologic surgery is associated with new persistent opioid use. Design, setting, and participants : A retrospective cohort study was conducted using linked administrative data from Ontario, Canada. Participants were adults who underwent their first vasectomy, transurethral prostatectomy, urethrotomy, circumcision, spermatocelectomy, or hydrocelectomy between 2013 and 2016. We excluded men with prior opioid use, confounding concurrent procedures, prolonged hospitalization, or cancer. Intervention : Whether the patient filled a prescription for an opioid within 5 d of their surgery. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis : The primary outcome was evidence of at least two opioid prescriptions filled 9–15 mo after urologic surgery. The secondary outcome was admission for opioid overdose. Primary analysis was adjusted logistic regression analysis. Results and limitations We identified 91 083 men, most of whom underwent vasectomy (78%). A total of 32 174 (35%) men filled a prescription for an opioid after their procedure. The most common opioid prescribed was codeine (70%), and urologists were the primary prescribers (81%). Men who filled a postprocedure opioid prescription did not differ, for most of the 57 medical comorbidities or markers of healthcare utilization that we measured, from those who did not fill an opioid prescription. There was long-term opioid use in 1447 (1.6%); men who had filled a postoperative opioid prescription had a significantly higher risk of long-term opioid use (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–1.6) and opioid overdose (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.5–5.9). A limitation is that we could not determine the indication for long-term opioid prescriptions. Conclusions : Prescription of opioids after low acuity urology procedures is significantly associated with increased opioid use at 1 yr after surgery; efforts should be made to reduce postoperative opioids, especially for urologic procedures that do not typically require opioids. Patient summary : Filling an opioid prescription after minor urologic surgeries is associated with an increased risk of persistent long-term use of opioid medications and a higher risk of serious long-term complications such as hospital visits for an opioid overdose.’

Background Minor oral surgery or dental extractions (oral or dental procedures) are widely performed and can be complicated by hazardous oral bleeding, especially in people with an inherited bleeding disorder such as haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease. The amount and severity of singular bleedings depend on disease-related factors, such as the severity of the haemophilia, both local and systemic patient factors (such as periodontal inflammation, vasculopathy or platelet dysfunction) and intervention-related factors (such as the type and number of teeth extracted or the dimension of the wound surface). Similar to local haemostatic measures and suturing, antifibrinolytic therapy is a cheap, safe and potentially effective treatment to prevent bleeding complications in individuals with bleeding disorders undergoing oral or dental procedures. However, a systematic review of trials reporting outcomes after oral surgery or a dental procedure in people with an inherited bleeding disorder, with or without, the use of antifibrinolytic agents has not been performed to date. Objectives The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of local or systemic use of antifibrinolytic agents to prevent bleeding complications in people with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease undergoing oral or dental procedures. Secondary objectives were to assess if antifibrinolytic agents can replace or reduce the need for clotting factor concentrate therapy in people with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease and to further establish the effects of these agents on bleeding in oral or dental procedures for each of these populations. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Coagulopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), of MEDLINE and from handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We additionally searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. We searched PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library. Additional searches were performed in ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Date of last search of the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Coagulopathies Trials Register: 14 December 2015. Selection criteria Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in people with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease undergoing oral or dental procedures using antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid) to prevent perioperative bleeding compared to no intervention or usual care with or without placebo. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all identified articles. Full texts were obtained for potentially relevant abstracts and two authors independently assessed these for inclusion based on the selection criteria. A third author verified trial eligibility. Two authors independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments using standardized forms. Main results While there were no eligible trials in people with Von Willebrand disease identified, two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (total of 59 participants) in people with haemophilia undergoing dental extraction were included. One trial of tranexamic acid published in 1972 included 28 participants with mild, moderate or severe haemophilia A and B and one of epsilon aminocaproic acid published in 1971 included 31 people with haemophilia with factor VIII or factor IX levels less than 15%. Overall, the two included trials showed a beneficial effect of tranexamic acid and EACA, administered systemically, in reducing the number of bleedings, the amount of blood loss and the need for therapeutic clotting factor concentrates. Regarding postoperative bleeding, the tranexamic acid trial showed a risk difference of -0.64 (95% confidence interval -0.93 to - 0.36) and the EACA trial a risk difference of -0.50 (95% confidence interval 0.77 to -0.22). The combined risk difference of both trials was -0.57 (95% confidence interval -0.76 to -0.37), with the quality of the evidence (GRADE) for this outcome is rated as moderate. Side effects occurred once and required stopping epsilon aminocaproic acid (combined risk difference of -0.03 (95% CI -0.08 to 0.13). There was heterogeneity between the two trials regarding the proportion of people with severe haemophilia included, the concomitant standard therapy and fibrinolytic agent treatment regimens used. We cannot exclude that a selection bias has occurred in the epsilon aminocaproic acid trial, but overall the risk of bias appeared to be low for both trials. Authors' conclusions Despite the discovery of a beneficial effect of systemically administered tranexamic acid and epsilon aminocaproic acid in preventing postoperative bleeding in people with haemophilia undergoing dental extraction, the limited number of randomised controlled trials identified, in combination with the small sample sizes and heterogeneity regarding standard therapy and treatment regimens between the two trials, do not allow us to conclude definite efficacy of antifibrinolytic therapy in oral or dental procedures in people with haemophilia. No trials were identified in people with Von Willebrand disease.

Introduction There is set to be a change in the way that oral surgery will be delivered with the introduction of managed clinical networks. The changes may require general dental practitioners (GDPs) to carry out more minor oral surgery in primary care. Aim To determine the effectiveness of courses on GDPs carrying minor oral surgery in primary care. Method Forty general dental practitioners attending a hands-on oral surgery course were surveyed regarding their understanding, knowledge and confidence in oral surgery skills. The same survey was circulated at the start and end of the course. Results All delegates reported an improvement post-course in their skills and knowledge. Overall, 40% of delegates felt relatively confident or very confident in tooth sectioning and bone removal, compared to 91% having little confidence before the course. Furthermore, 87% and 68% of the delegates felt relatively confident or very confident in suturing and raising a mucoperiosteal flap, respectively, by the end of the course. Conclusion Minor oral surgery courses can lead to an increase in skills, knowledge and confidence among GDPs. These courses are likely to be better supplemented in conjunction with refresher courses and mentoring. Barriers, however, remain to increasing minor oral surgery provision in primary care, including equipment availability and patient choice.

Key Points Question What is the benefit of a short hypnosis session before general anesthesia on postoperative outcomes (pain, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, comfort/well-being, anxiety, postanesthesia care unit length of stay, and patient satisfaction) in patients who underwent minor breast cancer surgery? Findings In this randomized clinical trial, 150 women were randomized to receive hypnosis or a control group, and the mean breast pain score before discharge was 1.75 in the control arm vs 2.63 in the hypnosis arm. At discharge, no statistically significant difference in breast pain was reported. Meaning No benefit of hypnosis was found on postoperative breast pain; however, hypnosis seems to have other benefits regarding fatigue, anxiety, and patient satisfaction., This randomized clinical trial compares the efficacy of preoperative hypnosis vs usual care for reducing postoperative breast pain in patients undergoing breast cancer tumor removal with or without limited axillary node dissection., Importance Hypnosis is now widespread in medical practice and is emerging as an alternative technique for pain management and anxiety. However, its effects on postoperative outcomes remain unclear. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a preoperative hypnosis session for reducing postoperative breast pain in patients who underwent minor breast cancer surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants The HYPNOSEIN prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted from October 7, 2014, to April 5, 2016. In this multicenter study in France, 150 women scheduled for minor breast cancer surgery were randomized between control and hypnosis arms, and 148 (71 control and 77 hypnosis) were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. Intervention On the day of surgery, eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to the control arm or the hypnosis arm. Patients (but not the care teams) were blinded to the arm to which they were assigned. A 15-minute hypnosis session before general anesthesia in the operating room was performed in the hypnosis arm. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was breast pain reduction (by 2 on a visual analog scale), assessed immediately before discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary end points were nausea/vomiting, fatigue, comfort/well-being, anxiety, and PACU length of stay, assessed at different times until postoperative day 30. Results The median patient age was 57 years (range, 33-79 years) in the control arm and 53 years (range, 20-84 years) in the hypnosis arm. Baseline characteristics were similar in the 2 arms. The median duration of the hypnosis session was 6 minutes (range, 2-15 minutes). The use of intraoperative opioids and hypnotics was lower in the hypnosis arm. The mean (SD) breast pain score (range, 0-10) was 1.75 (1.59) in the control arm vs 2.63 (1.62) in the hypnosis arm (P = .004). At PACU discharge and with longer follow-up, no statistically significant difference in breast pain was reported. Fatigue was significantly lower in the hypnosis arm on the evening of surgery (mean [SD] score, 3.81 [2.15] in the control arm vs 2.99 [2.56] in the hypnosis arm; P = .03). The median PACU length of stay was 60 minutes (range, 20-290 minutes) in the control arm vs 46 minutes (range, 5-100 minutes) in the hypnosis arm (P = .002). Exploratory analyses according to patient perception of whether she received hypnosis showed significantly lower fatigue scores in the perceived hypnosis subgroup on the evening of surgery (mean [SD], 4.13 [2.26] for no perceived hypnosis vs 2.97 [2.42] for perceived hypnosis; P = .01). Anxiety was also significantly lower on the evening of surgery in the perceived hypnosis subgroup (mean [SD], 0.75 [1.64] for perceived hypnosis vs 1.67 [2.29] for no perceived hypnosis; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this study do not support a benefit of hypnosis on postoperative breast pain in women undergoing minor breast cancer surgery. However, other outcomes seem to be improved, which needs to be confirmed by further studies. Trial Registration EudraCT Identifier: 2014-A00681-46 and ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03253159

Pain after tumorectomy and sentinel lymph node dissection is poorly reported in the literature. We carried out a prospective survey aimed at assessing pain three months after such minor surgery for breast cancer. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Most surgeries followed a standard protocol involving general anesthesia with no regional analgesia technique, laryngeal mask, sufentanil and propofol for induction, and multimodal analgesia during the postoperative period. Three months after the surgery, a questionnaire was sent to the patients with a pre-stamped envelope for return. The questions probed responses required to calculate a Brief Pain Inventory score and modified neuropathic pain score (DN3). Over a 5-month period, 150 patients (aged 60 (11) years, body mass index of 25 (6) kg/m2) were included in the final analysis. In the recovery room, 43% of patients required morphine at a mean dose of 5.2 (1.8) mg. Three months post surgery, 60 patients (40%) reported persistent pain for which 62% took analgesic drugs. We found no risk factor associated with this persistent pain among our studied population. Neuropathic pain was noted in 61% of patients who reported persistent pain primarily associated with periareolar incision. Pain persisted up to three months after minor surgery for breast cancer in 40% of patients with mostly a neuropathic component (61%).

Liver metastases are a major cause of colorectal cancer death, and the perioperative period is believed to critically affect the metastatic process. Here we tested whether blocking excess release of catecholamines and prostaglandins during surgical procedures of different extent can reduce experimental liver metastasis of the syngeneic CT26 colon cancer in female and male BALB/c mice. Animals were either treated with the beta-blocker, propranolol, the COX-2 inhibitor, etodolac, both drugs, or vehicle. The role of NK cells in controlling CT26 hepatic metastasis and in mediating the effect of the drugs was assessed by in vivo depletion or stimulation of NK cells, using anti-asialo GM1 or CpG-C, respectively. Surgical extent was manipulated by adding laparotomy to small incision, extending surgical duration, and enabling hypothermia. The results indicated that combined administration of propranolol and etodolac, but neither drug alone, significantly improved host resistance to metastasis. These beneficial effects occurred in both minor and extensive surgeries, in both sexes, and in two tumor inoculation approaches. NK cell-mediated anti-CT26 activity is involved in mediating the beneficial effects of the drugs. Specifically, CpG-C treatment, known to profoundly activate mice marginating-hepatic NK cytotoxicity, reduced CT26 hepatic metastases; and NK-depletion increased metastases and prevented the beneficial effects of the drugs. Overall, given prevalent perioperative psychological and physiological stress responses in patients, and ample prostaglandin release by colorectal tumors and injured tissue, propranolol and etodolac could be tested clinically in laparoscopic and open colorectal surgeries, attempting to reduce patients' metastatic disease.

Objective General surgery training has evolved to align with changes in work hour restrictions, supervision regulations, and reimbursement practices. This has culminated in a lack of operative autonomy, leaving residents feeling inadequately prepared to perform surgery independently when beginning fellowship or practice. A resident-run minor surgery clinic increases junior resident autonomy, but its effects on patient outcomes have not been formally established. This pilot study evaluated the safety of implementing a resident-run minor surgery clinic within a university-based general surgery training program. Design Single institution case-control pilot study of a resident-run minor surgery clinic from 9/2014 to 6/2015. Rotating third-year residents staffed the clinic once weekly. Residents performed operations independently in their own procedure room. A supervising attending surgeon staffed each case prior to residents performing the procedure and viewed the surgical site before wound closure. Postprocedure patient complications and admissions to the hospital because of a complication were analyzed and compared with an attending control cohort. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital General in Boston, MA; an academic tertiary care general surgery residency program. Participants Ten third-year general surgery residents. Results Overall, 341 patients underwent a total of 399 procedures (110 in the resident clinic vs. 289 in the attending clinic). Minor surgeries included soft tissue mass excision (n = 275), abscess incision and drainage (n = 66), skin lesion excision (n = 37), skin tag removal (n = 15), and lymph node excision (n = 6). There was no significant difference in the overall rate of patients developing a postprocedure complication within 30 days (3.6% resident vs. 2.8% attending; p = 0.65); which persisted on multivariate analysis. Similar findings were observed for the rate of hospital admission resulting from a complication. Resident evaluations overwhelmingly supported the rotation, citing increased operative autonomy as the greatest strength. Conclusions Implementation of a resident-run minor surgery clinic is a safe and effective method to increase trainee operative autonomy. The rotation is well suited for mid-level residents, as it provides an opportunity for realistic self-evaluation and focused learning that may enhance their operative experience during senior level rotations.